DETROIT — Preseason games are often meant to give teams a chance to get the cobwebs out, allow new teammates to get used to each other and measure where they’re at.
For the Phoenix Suns, three minutes into their first preseason game, things got heated — and Dillon Brooks was at the center of it.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) tries to drive past Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Suns hit the road to take on the Detroit Pistons Monday, their first preseason game where almost everyone was available to play. Head coach Jordan Ott opted to go with a star-heavy starting five, including Brooks, Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Oso Ighodaro and the newly acquired Miles Bridges.
Phoenix would take an early lead in the first quarter, but things quickly got heated between Brooks and Pistons forward John Collins after Collins grabbed a rebound. Brooks then tried to get the ball out of Collins’ hands, but Collins took exception and grabbed the Suns forward by the throat.
Teammates had to separate the two players, but the conversation online quickly heated up as many fans pointed out that Brooks is already showcasing his “villain” persona, even during the preseason.
THE NBA IS BACK BABY!!!
— The Chef 👨🏽🍳 (@TheChefKayy) October 5, 2026
THIS IS GONNA BE THE GREATEST SEASON EVER.
— cj (@wsgadIibs) October 6, 2026
Brooks the greatest gimmick player of all time how do u almost get in a fight in the 1st quarter of the 1st preseason game😂
— j. (@BronGotIt) October 5, 2026
I love Dillon Brooks…
— DEEJAYMOGUL (@deeja90418) October 5, 2026
Officials then assessed Collins a flagrant foul and Brooks a technical foul after the altercation.
While the altercation quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the night, the preseason matchup also gave the Suns an early look at what their new roster can bring. With Booker, Brooks, Green, Ighodaro and Bridges all getting an opportunity to share the floor, Phoenix was able to begin building chemistry while getting its key players some early game action.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward John Collins (20) is hit in the mouth by Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) taking the ball to the basket in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
There is still plenty to figure out before the regular season begins, but if the first few minutes were any indication, the Suns have plenty of intensity to use.
And if Brooks continues to bring the same energy he’s known for, Phoenix fans might be in for plenty of entertaining moments this year.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Detroit Pistons forward John Collins (20) have an exchange in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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